July 1, 2016
By Paul Joseph, Paragon News Director –
To keep the blood supply strong through the July 4 holiday season, Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging Weatherford residents to make the donation of blood – a priority.
An “All-American” blood drive, sponsored by Weatherford Regional Hospital will be held in the OBI bloodmobile on Tuesday, July 5 from 9:30 am until 3 pm.
Two tickets to an Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball game will be awarded to each person who gives blood. Additionally, each blood donor will received two free admissions to the Oklahoma City Zoo and a zoo-themed T-shirt.
Typically, anyone who is healthy and 16 years or older can donate.
OBI’s John Armitage reminds donors that holidays put an incredible stress on the blood supply and OBI is grateful for all donors who take the time during the holiday season to help other Oklahomans who need blood during the summer months.
Because there is no substitute for blood, the supply must constantly be renewed for patients in local hospitals.
Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, AABB, those with O-negative blood make up only nine-percent of the national population. However, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.
OBI is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 161 state medical facilities including hospitals throughout Paragon Communications listening area.
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